Backup QB Trubisky helps UNC pull away from Delaware in second half

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. North Carolina turned a six-point lead late in the third quarter against Delaware into a runaway 41-14 victory against the Blue Hens. But victory didn’t come quite as easily as the Tar Heels might have expected, and for long stretches it was uglier than UNC might have preferred.

Eventually, though, UNC’s superior talent and depth allowed it to pull away. The Tar Heels, led by backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky in the second half, scored three touchdowns in a span of about 12 minutes to erase any doubt of the outcome.

Marquise Williams, the UNC starting quarterback, came out of the game late in the first half and watched the second half from the sideline. His status, and whether he’d been pulled because of injury or early ineffectiveness, was unclear when the game ended.

Turning point

It was a one-possession game late in the third quarter until Trubisky’s 64-yard touchdown pass to Mack Hollins gave the Tar Heels a 27-14 lead. UNC’s defense forced a three-and-out on Delaware’s ensuing possession and Trubisky led another quick touchdown drive to widen the margin.

Three who mattered

Trubisky: The Tar Heels’ backup quarterback made his case for an expanded role after entering the game late in the first half. He played the rest of the game and completed 17 of his 20 attempts for 312 yards and four touchdowns.

Hollins: UNC’s most formidable deep threat a season ago broke out with two touchdown receptions on Saturday his first two of the season. He entered Saturday with 32 yards receiving and then caught three passes for 100 yards against Delaware.

Ryan Switzer: Another game, another long touchdown for Switzer, who did most of the work himself on his 63-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter. He caught five passes for 89 yards.

Three key numbers

568: Total yards for UNC, which gained 366 of them after halftime. It was the first time this season the Tar Heels surpassed 500 yards in total offense.

13: Points UNC scored off four trips to the red zone in the first half. Taking better advantage of scoring opportunities will be a point of emphasis for the Tar Heels as they enter ACC play.

0: Number of times UNC punted Saturday. It was the Tar Heels’ first game without a punt since 1996.

(c)2015 The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.)

Visit The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.) at www.newsobserver.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.